History of Deb Haaland in Timeline
Debra Anne Haaland is a notable American politician and the 54th United States Secretary of the Interior, representing a historical milestone as the first Native American to serve as a Cabinet secretary. As a member of the Democratic Party, she served as the U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 1st congressional district from 2019 to 2021. Her leadership experience also includes her tenure as chair of the New Mexico Democratic Party from 2015 to 2017. Haaland is an enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, highlighting her significant role in representing Native American communities in the U.S. government.
December 2, 1960: Birth of Debra Anne Haaland
Debra Anne Haaland was born on December 2, 1960.
1978: Graduation from Highland High School
Debra Haaland graduated from Highland High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1978.
1988: Enrollment in College
In 1988, Debra Haaland enrolled in college, marking a significant step in her life.
1994: Graduation from the University of New Mexico
Debra Haaland earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of New Mexico in 1994.
1997: Publication in Anthology by Joy Harjo
Debra Haaland's poetry was featured in a 1997 anthology published by Joy Harjo, one of her former professors and future United States Poet Laureate.
2005: Passing of Debra Haaland's Father
In 2005, Debra Haaland's father, Major John David "Dutch" Haaland, passed away and was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
2006: Completion of Law Degree and Bar Exam Attempt
In 2006, Debra Haaland graduated with a Juris Doctor in Indian law from the University of New Mexico School of Law. She took the bar exam later that year but did not pass.
2012: Vote Director for Native Americans in Obama Campaign
Debra Haaland served as the Vote Director for Native Americans in Barack Obama's 2012 presidential reelection campaign.
2013: Chair of the Native American Caucus
From 2012 to 2013, Debra Haaland held the position of chair of the Native American Caucus of the Democratic Party of New Mexico.
2014: Candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico
Debra Haaland ran for Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico in 2014 alongside Gary King, the Democratic nominee for Governor. Their ticket lost to the Republican ticket of Susana Martinez and John Sanchez.
2014: Rebuilding the New Mexico Democratic Party
Following significant losses for Democrats in New Mexico in 2014, Debra Haaland is credited with successfully rebuilding the state party during her tenure as chair.
April 2015: Election as Chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico
Debra Haaland was elected as the chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico in April 2015 for a two-year term.
June 2018: Democratic Nomination for New Mexico's 1st Congressional District
Debra Haaland secured the Democratic nomination for New Mexico's 1st congressional district in June 2018, winning every county in the district with 40.5% of the vote.
2018: Election to the U.S. House of Representatives
Debra Haaland was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018, receiving 58.2% of the vote against Michelle Garcia Holmes.
January 2019: One of the First Native American Women in Congress
In January 2019, Debra Haaland and Sharice Davids were sworn into Congress, marking a historic moment as they became two of the first Native American women to serve in this capacity. Haaland wore traditional Pueblo attire for the ceremony.
March 7, 2019: First Native American Woman to Preside over the U.S. House
During a debate on voting rights and campaign finance on March 7, 2019, Debra Haaland became the first Native American woman to preside over the U.S. House of Representatives.
2019: Condemnation of Covington Catholic High School Students' Actions and Libel Lawsuit
In 2019, Debra Haaland publicly criticized the behavior of students from Covington Catholic High School during the Lincoln Memorial confrontation, describing it as "blatant hate, disrespect, and intolerance." A libel lawsuit was subsequently filed by students who alleged Haaland's statements were defamatory but was dismissed on the grounds of legislative immunity.
December 17, 2020: Nomination for Secretary of the Interior
On December 17, 2020, then-President-elect Joe Biden announced his nomination of Debra Haaland for the position of Secretary of the Interior.
2020: Co-Chair for Elizabeth Warren's Presidential Campaign
Debra Haaland served as one of the three co-chairs for Elizabeth Warren's presidential campaign in 2020.
March 15, 2021: Confirmation as Secretary of the Interior
The United States Senate confirmed Debra Haaland's appointment as Secretary of the Interior on March 15, 2021, with a 51-40 vote.
March 18, 2021: Swearing-In as Secretary of the Interior
Debra Haaland was sworn in as the first Native American Cabinet secretary in U.S. history on March 18, 2021. She wore a custom-made ribbon skirt and traditional Laguna Pueblo attire for the occasion. Her departure from the House led to a special election in 2021.
April 2021: Establishment of a Unit to Address Missing and Murdered Native Americans
In April 2021, Debra Haaland announced the formation of a new unit within the Bureau of Indian Affairs dedicated to addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Native Americans. This initiative highlights her commitment to tackling this long-standing issue.
May 2021: Approval of the Cherokee Nation's New Constitution
In May 2021, Debra Haaland gave her approval to the Cherokee Nation's revised constitution, which includes protections for Cherokee Freedmen.
June 2021: Launch of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative
In June 2021, Debra Haaland initiated the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, aiming to investigate the historical abuse that occurred in residential boarding schools established for Native American children under the 1819 Civilization Fund Act. Haaland's personal connection to this issue, as her grandparents were sent to such schools, underscores the significance of this initiative.
August 28, 2021: Haaland marries Skip Sayre
On August 28, 2021, Deb Haaland married her longtime partner, Skip Sayre, in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. This personal milestone added to her life story, marking a new chapter in her personal relationships.
November 2021: Haaland bans derogatory term 'squaw' from federally owned lands
In November 2021, Deb Haaland took significant steps to address derogatory language by banning the term 'squaw' from all federally owned lands. She initiated a task force to find new names for the 650 locations that used this term, marking a pivotal move towards cultural sensitivity and respect.
July 17, 2022: Haaland suffers hiking injury
Deb Haaland experienced a personal setback on July 17, 2022, when she broke her left fibula while hiking in Shenandoah National Park. This incident highlighted the challenges she faced in balancing her active lifestyle with her professional duties.
March 2023: Haaland announces funds for bison conservation
In March 2023, Deb Haaland announced a $25 million initiative dedicated to bison conservation. This move underscored her commitment to preserving wildlife and promoting ecological sustainability.
August 22, 2024: Haaland speaks at the 2024 Democratic National Convention
On August 22, 2024, Deb Haaland delivered a speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, highlighting her role and influence within the party and national politics.